2022 DAOU Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles

 

As we write this, I can't begin to tell you how giddy we are about the experience we had with this wine.  The 2022 DAOU Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles was something we were looking forward to tasting, but there was no way we could have anticipated how incredible this is - and the price is as attactive as the label!

There are so many layers of both aromas and flavors leaping from this bottle.  Stunning dark garnet color to the edge of the glass.  Ripe berry pie, red licorice, sage, rosemary, vanilla extract and dark chocolate fought for center stage on the nose.   We did not decant, but constant swirling brough additional aromas of cherry cola and hints of clove.  

The first taste brought us a huge fruit basket of flavors up front, joined by a grass field covered in morning mist, smoky cedar plank and semi-sweet chocolate bits.  The wine was absolutely mouth coating and provided smiles on our faces as the day was long.  Paso Robles characteristics and fruit quality absolutely shine in this bottle and we would drink this against a high end Napa Cab any day of the week and twice on Sunday.   

There is no doubt that this wine will surface again in our "Top of 2025" list.  It's incredible.  Let us say that again.  It is incredible!

ABV:  15.2%

Paso Robles AVA

Winery:  DAOU Vineyards

Suggested retail price:  $60.00

Drink The Bottles score:  96/100

Town Branch IMPERIUM MMXXV Kentucky Straight Bourbon Release

 

50% Wheated Bourbon Blend |105 Proof

Available in Select Markets Only

LEXINGTON, Ky. (September 30, 2025) - Town Branch Distillery, the 7th member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and the heart of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.—is closing out Bourbon Heritage Month with the release of Imperium MMXXV, a high-end limited edition bourbon built on a 50% wheated bourbon foundation, bottled at 105 proof, non-chill-filtered, and offered at an SRP of $119.99.

Town Branch IMPERIUM MMXXV Kentucky Straight Bourbon – 105 Proof Imperium MMXXV marks the second annual release of this highly anticipated series. This year’s edition draws from Town Branch’s exclusive “Imperium Bourbon Stocks,” which include only the finest barrels from three of the distillery’s bourbon mash bills:

• Pot-still Kentucky Bourbon: 72% corn / 15% rye / 13% malted barley

• Column-still o Kentucky Bourbon: 72% corn / 15% rye / 13% malted barley

• Column-still Wheated Bourbon: 70% corn / 22% wheat / 8% malted barley

Each barrel pulled from the rickhouse and arriving at production is evaluated for its highest purpose — base blending, single-barrel program or Imperium stocks. The tasting of these barrels is like a tryout — much like an athlete re-earning a place on the team each season. Only the best of the best makes the cut.

“This year we again set aside our favorite and most unique bourbon stocks, tasting them as many times as needed to ensure each barrel still deserves a place in the Imperium stockpile before blending,” says Dave Bob Gaspar, Head Blender. “After almost a year of tasting thousands of barrels and collecting the rarest ones, we narrowed it down to only 6 barrels for this very special, small batch bourbon.”

The 2025 blend begins with a 50% wheated bourbon base, then marries 50% of Town Branch’s other bourbon stocks to create a distinctive hybrid profile unlike any other bottling from the distillery. Bottled at 105 proof, Imperium MMXXV delivers depth and power while allowing the wheated bourbon shine. This year’s Imperium again crowns Bourbon Heritage Month as a testament to Town Branch’s commitment to exceptional bourbon making. If you’re lucky enough to find a bottle, raise a glass to Bourbon Heritage Month — and to many more to come.

Brand Highlights:

Town Branch IMPERIUM MMXXV Kentucky Straight Bourbon (SRP $119.99/750ml) - A 50/50 blend of our finest bourbon barrels— 50% Wheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon mash bill barrels and 50% Kentucky Straight Bourbon mash bill barrels. Released annually during National Bourbon Heritage Month, this bourbon is marked by the year of release in Roman numerals, with a distinct proof and limited quantity. 

Mash Bill: Multiple Kentucky Straight Bourbon Barrels

 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (72C / 15R / 13B)

▪ SN 3963 / Fill Date: February 17, 2017 (Aged 8 years, 6 months)

▪ SN 4308 / Fill Date: February 7, 2017 (Aged 8 years, 6 months)

▪ SN 15647 / Fill Date: April 1, 2019 (Aged 6 years, 5 months)

o Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey (70C / 22W / 8B)

▪ SN 16368 / Fill Date: March 6, 2020 (Aged 5 years, 6 months)

▪ SN 16391 / Fill Date: March 6, 2020 (Aged 5 years, 6 months)

▪ SN 16394 / Fill Date: March 6, 2020 (Aged 5 years, 6 months)

- Age: MMXXV Release – Barrel Aged 5.5 to 8+ Years

- ABV: 52.5% / 105 Proof

- Estimated Availability: Very Limited Annual Release | 219 cases

- Tasting Notes:

• Appearance: Rich Mahogany
• Aroma: Mature Oak, Honey, Spice, Licorice, Cherry and Ripe Plums
• Palate: Clove, Cinnamon, Baking Spice, Leather, Oak, Dark Cherries, Vanilla and Rich Caramel
• Finish: Lingering notes of Dry Oak, Spice and Honey

2023 Cedar + Salmon Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

 

It's always amazing to drink wines that you aren't familiar with, only to find out that they surprise you in a big way.  There are still a significant group of wine enthusiasts who snub their noses at screw top wines, to which we just laugh or shake our heads.  From a winemaker's or vintner's perspective - no cork taint!  Do we need to say more?

This is the 2023 Cedar + Salmon Pinot Noir Willamette Valley red wine from 3 Badge Beverage.  Don't peek to the end to see the price yet, because you won't believe it considering this is 100% Willamette Valley juice.  

Mulberry color in the glass, this wine left us pleasantly perplexed after some air time in the glass and introduction of oxygen with some nice swirling.  Dried rose petal, plum, and black cherry fragrances appear on the nose, leading an introduction to a myriad of flavors.  We first picked up the traditional Pinot Noir gentle flavors of red raspberry, cherry and dried herbs.  Some additional swirling and tasting brought us the smallest hint of clove, joined by button mushrooms and cola.  

The finish was typical for Pinot Noir, which is not particularly lingering, but the flavors danced for moments, inviting you back to the next sip.  We really enjoyed this wine and it is absolutely solid.

ABV:  14.0%

Willamette Valley AVA

Winery:  Cedar + Salmon Wines

Suggested retail price:  $24.99

Drink The Bottles score:  90/100

2025 Yellowstone 10 Year Bourbon Whiskey Limited Edition

 

Limestone Branch Distillery collaborates with Ross & Squibb Distillery on 2025 release of Yellowstone Limited Edition

10th anniversary expression features a blend of three unique mash bills aged 10 years and bottled at 105 proof

St. Louis - To celebrate a decade of excellence across its award-winning annual Limited Edition collection, Limestone Branch Distillery released its 2025 Yellowstone Limited Edition, a unique blend of straight bourbon whiskeys thoughtfully aged 10 years.  The series debuted in 2015 to honor the finest spirits worth of the Yellowstone Bourbon name.

In the pioneering spirit of Yellowstone Bourbon, Founder and Master Distiller Stephen Beam and the team at Limestone Branch Distillery collaborated with the blending team at Ross & Squibb Distillery - one of the most historic distilleries in America - to create the 10th anniversary release.  For the first time, the combined team chose barrels from the Indiana and Kentucky distilleries to blend for this year's unique and high-quality commemorative expression.

The 2025 release includes three unique mash bills aged 10 years and is bottled at 105 proof (52.5% ABV) in tribute to the debut of Yellowstone Limited Edition in 2015.  An allocation of 10,000 (3-in) cases will be on shelf in September at retail and Limestone Branch Distillery, just in time for Bourbon Heritage Month, for a minimum suggested retail price of $99.99 per 750mL bottle.

"We've done something different with this special annual release every year since 2015," said Beam.  "This year's 10-year anniversary Limited Edition represents my natural progression of experminenting with blending, using three unique mash bills to create a remarkable product.  In partnership with the Ross & Squibb team, we pushed the boundaries of innovation by creating our first blend featuring barrels from the Indiana and Kenutcky distilleries - without compromising on our commitment to quality that has kept the Yellowstone Bourbon brand on shelf for more than 150 years."

The 2025 Yellowstone Limited Edition release features an aroma of vanilla, oak and hints of citrus.  The body includes tastes of rich caramel, vanilla, toffee and hints of stone fruit on the palate, and a lingering finish or of charred oak with notes of honey, cherry and cinnamon.

Presented in a custom-designed embossed Yellowstone Limited Edition bottle, the 2025 anniversary edition features a high-quality natural cork. and a unique black and gold label highlighting the bold 10-year age statement, anniversary details and Beam's signature.

The 2024 Yellowstone Limited Edition release earned gold medals at the 2025 ASCOT Awards and San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

We just received a sample of this bottle and could not wait to dig in.  Yellowstone has consistently produced high-quality, unique and affordable bottles and they remain one of our favorite brands.  

Mahongany in color with wafting aromas of vanilla bean with soft, balsamic and woody undertones.  Island fruits are more dominant with some time out of the bottle and into a Glencairn.  The aromas are pleasant but definitely not the star of the show here.  Creamy vanilla pudding, grilling spices, scorched earth up front.  Mid palate we are introduced to apricot and plum and a long, sweet and semi-spicy finish.  We tasted this again with an introduction of about 4 drops of water and that brought out additional layered flavors of clover honey, cinnamon stick and blackberry.  This is absolutely delicious!

ABV:  52.5% (105 proof)

Distillery:  Limestone Branch Distillery

Suggested retail price:  $99.99

Drink The Bottles score:  94/100

El Mayor Tequila debuts Café Resposado

 

El Mayor Tequila debuts Café Reposado

The new “coffee-kissed” premium tequila will be available nationwide starting in September

ST. LOUIS (Sept. 23, 2025)Fall coffee menus have finally met their match. El Mayor Tequila is expanding their award-winning

tequila portfolio with their latest innovative offering: El Mayor Café Reposado Tequila. Premium

El Mayor Blanco Tequila is rested for three months in bourbon barrels which had previously held coffee

beans - lending a smooth and natural "coffee kissed" flavor that results in El Mayor Café Reposado.

Distilled and produced at Destilladora Gonzalez Lux, Café Reposado will be available in September at a

minimum suggested retail price of $33.99 per 750mL bottle.

"Our Café Reposado is a silky-smooth tequila that delivers lovely natural notes of vanilaa with a subtle

coffee finish in every sip," said Graciela Gonzalez, master distiller at Destiladora Gonzalez Lux.

"With our proprietary barrel seasoning process, our Café Reposado bring forward the natural flavor of the

agave with a subtle hint of coffee on the finish. I enjoy sipping Café Reposado neat, over ice, or in a

coffee-inspired cocktail, like the Espresso Martini."

As with every bottle of El Mayor, Café Reposado Tequlia is made with 100% estate-grown, Blue Weber

agave from the valley area and highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. The finished product is a fair golden color.

The nose offers hints of earthy floral, vanilla and coffee bean, and the finish boasts notes of vanilla,

coffee and cooked agave.

"We're thrilled to introduce El Mayor Tequila Café Reposado in the hear of Espresso Martini season,"

said Kayleight Longo, brand manager for El Mayor. "Tequila-based coffee cocktails are on the rise, and

our Café Reposado makes it simple for consumers to reimagine their customized coffee drinks into

delicious adult concoctions - like a Café Reposado Pumpkin Spice Latte - or come up with something

entirely new. Consumers will be delighted by the smooth versatility and simplicity of this latest release."

El Mayor Café Reposado Tequila is packaged in an embossed opaque brown glass bottle with a

rich-brown colored label and premium cork closure.

El Mayor Café Reposado Tequila marks tha latest addition to the award-winning El Mayor Tequila family

. El Mayor expressions have earned prestigious industry acclaim including a platinum medal and

Consumer's Choice Award at the 2025 SIP Awards, a gold medal at the 2025 ASCOT Awards and

recognition as one of the top 10 tequilas in the world at the 2025 International Wines and Spirits

Competition for El Mayor Reposado.

For recipes and more information about El Mayor and Café Reposado, or to find a retailer, visit

elmayor.com or follow the brand @elmayortequila on Facebook and Instagram.

Jack Daniel's Limited Edition Sweet Mash Tennessee Straigh Whiskey

 

Jack Daniel’s Launches Limited Edition Sweet Mash Tennessee Straight Whiskey 

Jack Daniel’s Distillery Series Selection #15 is a high-proof Sweet Mash Tennessee Whiskey pulled from top-floors of the distillery’s Tract 2 barrelhouses 

Lynchburg, Tennessee (September 22, 2025) – The Jack Daniel Distillery introduces a Sweet Mash Tennessee Straight Whiskey as the latest selection in its Distillery Series line of experimental whiskeys. 

At the beginning of each distilling season, the Jack Daniel Distillery uses a sweet mash process during the cooking of grains. This sweet mash will kickstart production before establishing a setback to support our sour mash process for the remainder of the distilling season. 

Distillery Series Selection #15 is a nod to the annual small run of sweet mashed whiskey, featuring the same grain bill of 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye like all Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskeys. After entering new charred white oak barrels in 2016, the expression was aged on the top floors of Track 2 barrelhouses at the Jack Daniel Distillery for almost nine years before being batched and bottled at 117 proof. 

“Our Distillery Series has experimented with every step in the whiskey making process from grain bill to barreling, and this release showcases yet another lever that we can pull and tweak here at the Jack Daniel Distillery,” said Chris Fletcher, Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller. “What excites me about this release is the complexity and richness that has emerged from a little extra time in the right places in our barrelhouses.” 

The sweet mash process along with the barrel age and location combine for a high-proof Tennessee Whiskey featuring rich butterscotch notes and undertones of pecan, berry and caramel. 

Selected by Whiskey Taster and Quality Control Manager Kathy Thurmond, Jack Daniel’s Distillery Series Sweet Mash Tennessee Straight Whiskey is bottled at 117 proof (58.5% abv) in 375ml bottles. It will be available exclusively in Tennessee and at the White Rabbit Bottle Shop at the Jack Daniel Distillery beginning this month, with a suggested retail price of $44.99.

Jack Daniel's Vanilla Coke Canned Cocktail

Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola Vanilla Canned Cocktail Returns as Limited-Edition 4-Pack 

The perfect twist on a classic favorite delivering a smooth and crisp taste with hints of vanilla is now available for a limited time 

Lynchburg, Tennessee (September 15, 2025) - Jack Daniel's and Coca-Cola are expanding their popular Jack & Coke ready-to-drink lineup with the launch of Jack Daniel's and Coca-Cola Vanilla. Available nationwide, this limited-time release comes in a convenient 4-pack of 12 ounce cans, delivering a flavorful twist on the classic Jack & Coke, just in time for tailgaing season.

"Coca-Cola Vanilla brings forward the classic vanilla notes in Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey to create a unique, layered flavor that's perfect for the season," said Mary Beth O'Mara, Jack Daniel's RTD Brand Director. "Whether at fall gatherings or gameday watch parties, we hope our friends will reach for Jack & Coke Vanilla to make every moment more memorable."

Jack Daniel's & Coca-Cola Vanilla was first introduced in the Jack & Coke Variety Pack in March 2025 and quickly became a standout among consumers looking for a premium twist on a familiar favorite. At 7% ABV in its standalone package, the canned cocktail perfectly blends the bold character of Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey with the creamy flavor of Coca-Cola Vanilla for a balanced sip, ready to enjoy with no mixing required.

Jack Daniel's & Coca-Cola Vanilla is available now across the U.S. for a limited time, sold in 4-packs of 12 ounce cans at a suggested retail price of $12.99